Exercising Our Spiritual Lives

There are many activities that we do which can help strengthen us.  I personally enjoy working out and physical exercise.  It’s not an easy task, but I do it because it is good for my heart and body.  I remember not being much of an avid walker, but daily I would walk for a few minutes and became stronger.  I slowly started to increase and build my stamina.  Then walking turned into running.  The first few bouts would always be shorter, and I’d be winded, but with intentionality and focus, I slowly started to get better where I ultimately signed up to do my first 5k.  

Our own spiritual walk with God is no different.  It’s an ongoing process where you consistently grow and get better.  Some days will not be easy and they aren’t meant to be.  However, it’s very important to remain focused and intentional on strengthening and growing your relationship with God.

How can we do that?

Read and Meditate on Scripture Daily 

When Joshua was commissioned to lead the Israelites after Moses, God commanded that Joshua was to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night so that he may act carefully according to all that is written in it.  We are to act in the same manner with our Bible.  By understanding God’s story and word we are able to know and understand HIm more intimately.  This helps us to grow spiritually and enables us to recognize when we are in alignment with what He has in store for us.  When I first started reading the Bible, I thought that I had to understand it immediately after reading it.  The Bible is not like that.  It is meant to be taken, absorbed, meditated, and studied again and again.  The Bible is comprised of many literary genres.  Many of the stories can also be complex to understand.  I find myself often reaching out to good friends and family to discuss certain chapters.  In addition, I love how I can read a passage that I know very well, but the Holy Spirit will speak to me in a different way.  The Bible truly is living and breathing.  

Remember - our spiritual walk is not a marathon race.  The Bible should not be intimidating nor should it be a task to read it in one sitting with perfect memorization and understanding.  Really take time to meditate on the words.  A pastor once told us that reading scripture is similar to how cows eat their food.  They chew it for long periods of time, spit it out, and chew it again before swallowing.  A pretty interesting visual, right?  However, it is a good comparison.  We should look to do the same with our Bible.  Find a good literal translation that is easy for you to understand.  If you find one that is a little difficult to understand, look for a different translation.  In addition, ask God before you read to help with wisdom and understanding of the passages you are about to read.  

Have a Consistent Prayer Life With The Lord

We are called to seek the Lord.  The Bible mentions it repeatedly.  The best way to reach God is through prayer.  We are encouraged to meet God anywhere.  It doesn’t have to be a specific time or place.  God wants to hear from us and have a relationship with us.  

Many have often asked, “How do I pray?” or  “I don’t know where to start?”  I myself initially used to struggle with this as well.  Remember it is Him and you and He’s always ready to hear from you!  We don’t have to be a Biblical scholar, the world’s smartest, or the most righteous. We can seek Him anywhere and anytime.  Jesus also gives us a perfect example when He gives an outline in Matthew 6:9-13.  

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

The key is consistency and having an open dialogue with Him.  

Being With Others That Can Help Build You Up, Spiritually - We Are Not Called To Be Alone

Hebrews 10:25 reminds us to not forsake the assembling with one another but exhorting each other and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.  It’s important that we each have accountability partners and friends that can help build you up and always lead each other to Christ.  One of the enemy’s greatest tactics is to keep us away from one another and in isolation.  It’s here where sometimes the enemy tries to convince us of things that are not true. I can’t tell you how long I was convinced that it was not important to be a part of a church home.  I felt that I was doing enough by reading Scripture and praying.  However, I was missing one of the best parts that God has called us to do.  Come together under one accord with one another.  There’s nothing better than getting together with my fellow brothers and sisters and giving praise to God as well as serving.  

We are not meant to do this walk alone. 

Remember just like physical exercise - spiritual exercise is so important.  It is not just a one-time thing and you are done.  It’s continual development that leads to overall growth.  Some days may not be easy or come be downright confusing but remember to never give up and continue to strive and move forward.